The Ubiqiutous Enigma That Is Science Fiction Essay, Research Paper

“We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our

lives”. This line taken from Plan 9 From Outer Space is just one of many examples of how the future and the

unknown, that are displayed in science fiction, have had such an impact on the daily lives of societies

productive members. There is a direct correlation between life and the art that is science fiction literature.

Science fiction has predicted many of the astounding technological advancements we today take

for granted. The rocket was predicted in early science fiction films, such as Man to the Moon. Films like

The Day the Earth Stood Still predicted space travel and beings from other worlds. The administration and

usefullness of computers was demonstrated in 2001: A Space Odessey. H.G. Wells describes in great detail

(about fifty years before his time) the fax machine and telephone. Videophones were proven to be usefull in

early sci-fi classics such as THX 1138 and Forbidden Planet.

Our culture and society is influenced by science fiction literature as well. The re-release of Star

Wars produced mass merchandising and it was also voted number one science fiction film of all time.

Science fiction cult films have found new generations of fans they did not have before. For example, The

Rocky Horror Picture Show has been running midnight showings for the past twenty years. Fans dress up

as their favorite characters and shout obscure and perverted dialogue at a movie screen. Edward D. Wood

Jr. was once voted worst director of all time for such films as Plan 9 From Outer Space and Glen or Glenda .

Tim Burton did a documentary film on Ed Wood that has brought his quirky visions to new light. Eighties

rock band The Misfits use old science fiction films as the basis for all of their songs. Music and movies are

a big part of our society which was highly influenced by science fiction.

Science Fiction literature also reflects the values that people have in our society. Fear was

exemplified in films like Plan 9 From Outer Space. Aliens were powerful enough to reserect the dead and

create a nuclear bomb in order to save earth from itself. Their ultimate goal was of global domination.

During the cold war fear was shown through the viscious aliens in This Island Earth, who were going to kill

our species. Today we have cute and friendly visitors from far off galaxies like E.T. There were also hopes

for the future in early science fiction films. People were shown walking on the moon and colonizing other

planets. This in turn aspired us to explore our own soloar system.

It has been witnessed throughout time that life does indeed imitate art. This century alone has had

many technological advancements that have made their way via science fiction literature. Many other

advancements have been predicted in recent science fictions films. In Strange Days, memory storage

devices and in The Fifth Element, there were flying cars. Will these technologies make their way into our

daily rotation? Who knows what the future may bring. “And remember, future events such as these will

effect you in the future”.